But he's turning his wheels and something is turning inside the diff per his scope. So doesn't that mean the hubs are locked to the axles, the axles are turning, and the inner axle splines are snapped into the diff? And in that case shouldn't the front drive shaft/companion flange that is...
But his pinion shaft is turning when he moves the wheels so the axles are snapped into the diff. At this point the OP should pull the diff cover for a better look. Most likely going to need to remove the diff at this point. Let us know what is going on in there.
Go here: FSM - 1984 - 1990 Repair Manual, Chassis/Body - https://forum.ih8mud.com/resources/1984-1990-repair-manual-chassis-body.1/ in the resources section and download the chassis and body FSM. follow the instructions to remove the front drive shaft and companion flange. If the splines...